In October 2024, the Russian, East European, and Eurasian Center (REEEC) hosted three Ukrainian scholars as part of the BridgeUSA Ukrainian Academic Fellows Program (UAFP). Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by American Councils for International Education, the program offers Ukrainian scholars the opportunity to engage in academic exchange and collaboration with U.S. institutions.
During their month-long residency at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the scholars—representing the fields of education, linguistics, and computer systems—shared their expertise, learned from their peers, and contributed to conversations about the future of education in Ukraine. Their time at Illinois wasn’t just about lectures and research; it was an opportunity to build new partnerships and exchange ideas within the Illinois community.
The UAFP allowed for both personal and professional growth. The fellows participated in classes, delivered guest lectures, and worked closely with Illinois faculty to explore new research opportunities. They also took part in a REEEC panel discussion on October 3 about the challenges and transformations within Ukraine’s educational system, providing valuable insights into the current state and future of Ukraine’s academic communities.
For many, the chance to connect with students and faculty at Illinois was inspiring. Dr. Olha Telna (Associate Professor of Special Pedagogy and Psychology, Kharkiv Humanitarian-Pedagogical Academy) was particularly moved by the campus environment. “Walking freely on this campus, experiencing the energy of student life, and meeting so many individuals committed to supporting Ukraine—this has been transformative for me,” she said. “I return home with new strategies and a strengthened resolve to improve education for students in Ukraine.”
Beyond the classroom, the scholars built meaningful relationships with faculty and students, participating in workshops, sharing experiences, participating in the Ukrainian language table, and finding common ground in their shared mission to advance education. Their time in Illinois wasn’t all work, though—along with REEEC Visiting Project Coordinator Mia Alibi, they traveled to Chicago, where they explored Millennium Park, visited the Chicago History Museum, and even sampled deep-dish pizza.
The residency underscored the powerful role of academic exchange in fostering international collaboration. Whether discussing research, developing new teaching materials, or exploring ways to strengthen ties between educational institutions in Ukraine and the United States, the scholars returned home with a renewed sense of purpose. Dr. Volodymyr Bazylevych (Head, Department of Information and Computer Systems, Chernihiv Polytechnic National University) plans to finalize joint research projects, facilitate virtual student exchanges, and pursue long-term partnerships with Illinois.
Now back in Ukraine, the scholars continue to reflect on and build upon the connections they made during their time at Illinois. Dr. Nataliia Faryna (Associate Professor of Ukrainian Applied Linguistics, Ivan Franko National University of Lviv) shared, “Education has always been a force for resilience, but now it feels even more essential. This experience has shown me that even in the most difficult times, there is power in coming together, learning from one another, and moving forward with hope.”
The BridgeUSA Ukrainian Academic Fellows Program is a testament to the enduring strength of educational partnerships and the power of exchange. By connecting scholars from Ukraine with the resources and communities at Illinois, we are building bridges that will contribute to the ongoing recovery and growth of Ukraine’s higher education sector—and, in turn, create a more interconnected world.